Lewis William Purcell, age 81, of Leoma, TN passed away peacefully at his residence on Sunday, December 10, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones. He was a native of Lawrenceburg, TN, beloved owner of Purcell’s Towing & Recovery, and retired bus driver with the Lawrence County School System for over 30 years. A dedicated public servant, he served as a past Reserve Lieutenant with the Lawrenceburg Police Department. Lewis was defined by his deep love and devotion to his Family. He also loved to travel and work in the yard where he grew prize winning tomatoes. He leaves behind a legacy of love, guidance, and cherished memories that will continue to resonate in the hearts of his family and friends. Mr. Purcell served his country honorably in the U.S. Army.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Malcom Lewis and Helen Louise Johnson Purcell; his wife, Betty Whitley Purcell; one brother, Charlie Purcell; niece, Sheila Wells Fairbanks; nephew, Charles Purcell II; niece Tracey Purcell; niece, Tina Young, and great-nephew, Zachary Hill.
He is survived by one son, Steve Purcell (Teresa) of Leoma, TN; two sisters, Linda Hyde (Robert) of Lawrenceburg, TN and Trish Wells (Dwight) of Loretto, TN; one brother, Kenneth Purcell (Linda) of Leoma, TN; two grandsons, Stevie Purcell of Nashville, TN and Cruz Purcell (Mallorie) of Leoma, TN; three great-grandchildren, Bentley Purcell, Sophie Purcell, and Daisy Purcell; special niece, Kristy Whitley Vickery; grand-daughter by love, Alexia Dixon and his fur babies, Angel and Kitty. A special acknowledgement goes to Tamorah Dotson, whose compassionate care brought comfort to Mr. Purcell’s final days. Those serving as pallbearers will be Trab Crews, Shawn Boyd, Rodney Yates, Herbie Hill, Roger Cole, and Brock Purcell.
Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at Neal Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at Neal Funeral Home at 11:00 AM Thursday, December 14, 2023, with Rodney Livingston officiating. Interment will follow at Leoma Cemetery in Leoma, TN with full military honors. The family suggests memorials be made to FOLCA – Friends of Lawrence County Animals, P.O. Box 174, Lawrenceburg, TN 38464 and Kid’s Place Child Advocacy Center, 614 W. Point Rd, Lawrenceburg, TN 38464.
